Sunstar Suisse is a Japanese multinational company with a new corporate headquarters in Etoy, near Lausanne, Switzerland. Sunstar is no stranger to the importance of design in transmitting company philosophy. In fact, as a healthcare company with product visibility all over the world, it was of utmost importance that health and wellbeing be at the heart of the new headquarters building.
Alhadeff Architects has played a part for many years in many of Sunstar’s decisions about the role of design in corporate communication and philosophy. Their motto, “Strive always to enhance health and well-being everywhere… “ is centermost in this design for the new headquarters. Located in the middle of a green valley and surrounded by snowcapped mountains, the site takes in fresh air from all sides. From the very first impact, the design calls attention to a delicate balance between east and west. The reception area separates visitors from the office environment by enveloping them in elements central to the Japanese aesthetic: a tall, live bonsai reaches up into an atrium and is met by natural woven-reed lighting elements by LZF Luzifer. Stepping stones are set into the ribbed stone flooring, softening the geometry. The feeling is at once warm and linear. It is about wooden surfaces, bent and molded wooden furniture by Artek of Finland blends Scandinavian and Japanese design motifs, bright colors and blond wood. It is contemplative and yet up-beat.
This synthesis carries into the executive upper floor design. Glass perimeters and partitions invite the Alpine setting into the tranquil flow of offices and conference rooms. Conference tables are oversize, low slabs of rough hewn wood, Nakamura inspired. They are surrounded by luxurious, red, Italian-designed leather armchairs by Poltrona Frau. A blow-up of Japan’s foremost calligrapher’s iteration of the company motto may look like an oversized Franz Kline in this artful setting, but it is more.
Alhadeff Architects has turned 6000 sq meters of corporate headquarters into a visual statement of Sunstar Suisse’s new goal: to make the world a healthier place starting with the workplace that will serve it. It reflects a global commitment with a very clear design for the future.